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“I’m not. But that isn’t relevant. What matters isIneed to have a few conversations whileyouwait safely with an old friend of mine.”
“I have every right to mingle tonight, Drake. I know what I’m doing.”
“And what is that?” The intensity of my gaze seems to penetrate her awareness because she hesitates a moment before answering.
“If you aren’t going to appreciate me, then I’ll find someone who will.”
The coals of my temper roar into flames of anger, and I lean forward, hissing into her ear, “You’re an innocent lamb in a room full of wolves. Be careful who you tease. You might wake up something you can’t put back to sleep.”
Miriam isn’t going anywhere. I won’t allow it. My blood boils at just the thought of her with someone else.
She’s mine.
Mine to teach. Mine to conquer. Mine to protect.
I’m not letting anyone take her from me.
Chapter 3
Miriam
“What the hell, Drake?” He has a firm grip on my elbow as he guides me to a group of elegant women surrounding a standing table. I don’t care if he looks like a sex in a suit, he doesn’t get to drag me around like a sack of potatoes.
“There are some conversations I need to have. Stay here with Veronica,” he practically growls. “Ladies, this is my assistant, Miriam. Please take care of her.” With that cursory introduction, he takes his leave.
“Excuse me,” I say, turning to the women. Three classy women, who look to be in their fifties and sixties, observe me. “I’m sorry to interrupt you like this.”
“No worries, my dear. We understand how the men at these functions can be,” the woman on the left waves her manicured hand in dismissal. She has short silver hair, keen blue eyes, and bright red lipstick.
“It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Veronica. This is Edna, and this is Kitty.” She points to her companions. Edna looks a little older, but still stunning with chin length wavy, dark hair with a distinctive silver streak. Kitty has long chestnut hair that hangs down to her significant bosom. The women all nod their greetings.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” I reply.
“You work for Drake Gallagher?” Veronica asks.
“That must be nice—at least on the eyes,” Edna chimes in with a refined air.
“Mmmhmm,” Kitty agrees with a wink.
I blink at them, unsure how to respond.
“Let me guess. He underestimates you,” Veronica says.
“Yes, he does.”
“Men.” Edna shakes her head. “They hardly ever recognize the brilliance in front of them.”
“I don’t always mind being underestimated,” Kitty shares with a sassy smile. “It makes it so much sweeter when I win.”
“Don’t let him keep you from reaching your potential.” Veronica gives me a sharp look that has me straightening my shoulders.
With less than five minutes of conversation, I officially have three new crushes. These are the type of women I want to be. I find myself loving the conversation we have over the next hour. Each of them is a successful investor with a large portfolio and a history of coming out on top.
When I leave the dinner later that night, I’m even more determined to take action toward my dreams. These women, my new role models, showed me that I can.
Earlier in the evening, I collected a number of business cards from industry professionals. Maybe it’s time to give one of them a call and see what kind of opportunities the world has for me. And if I get to show Drake what he’s missing as a bonus, that’s fine too.
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